Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-09-08
CHAPTER VII.

his, Inen, was the emu OF all my lOOuSn
dreams of Oliver Dudley the end of the
firm, true friendship l had felt SO sure
would spring up between US on his return!
Had he not promised me to be my friendl
Ali but that was long ago; he had forgot
ten me now, and my cheeks burned as l re-
membered my eager welcome and his chill
ing reply.
Sitting thus in the dark could hear the
sound of music and mirth from the drawing
room where, had no doubt, the family and
their guests were assembled. This did not
add to my peace of mind, you may be sure.
Presently Maggie burst into the room il
her usual impusive fashion.
ssWhat, miss, sitting in the darkln she
cried. ''Why, whatever is the matter,
deari" she continued, lighting the lamp and
noticing my wet, tangled hair aud dis
ordered appearance.
"Nothing at ALL" answered, suIlenly.
~ went out for a walk and got wet"
swell, well, that's too badp' said good
natured Maggie, seating herself on the edge
of the bed, as she often did, for friendly
chat.
"Ohp she began, "it's fine times they're
havin' in the parlors this evening. There's
more company come That young gent
that was here once afore, though l don't
suppose you remember it, you were such a
little chick then. Well he is been travel
in in furrin parts and now he is come back.
They say he is no end of rich, and Miss
Irma, it's plain to see, is mighty anxious to
look fine in his eyes; and she does look fine,
dear, though hate TO say it, she is such a
hateful piece; but she is just lovely in her
pink velvet with such lace and diamonds
glittering all over her. And Mr.. Dudley,
so Norah says, brought her jewel case, the
most beautiful thing you ever see" went
on Maggie. "But you don't seem to care
for hearin' it, Miss Dorrie. Are We ailin' or
any thingW
''No, Maggie 1 answered, drearily, "but
my head aches and I'm going to bed soon.
Don't mind me at supper, ! do not want
any"
And Maggie, seeing that did not care for
her presence, finally left me alone Then my
anger blazed forth. Before Maggie's en-
trance / had been trying in a blind way to
find some excuse for Mr.. Dudley's cool and
Indifferent welcome to me, and was ready
to believe he had not been Intentionally UNI
kind, only little vexed at my act of dis
| obedience. But now / was satisfied, ] said.
| All my pride rose in arms at the thought
that should crave bis friendship, which he
| withheld. He had come. Yes-and fairly
laughed in my bitter self-scorning - my
friend, my king, my ideal hero had come.
He had treated me kindly; yes, kindly as he
would have treated beggar in the street
who had asked him for penny. He saved
| you from drowning, said my conscience. As
he would have saved dog, answered, Bit
terly His presents, his smiles, were for
Irma Barrett, beautiful, rich, golden haired
| Irma Barrett, the heiress of Calcdon
| Heights. Preposterous then that beg
| carly dependent should aspire to the friend
| ship or regard of one so far above her.
! l fairly loathed myself for having ever
loved or trusted him. Why did / love or
| trust any ones Surely no one had ever re-
/ turned my love. Was / not a wretched
founding from my birth, cast-of waif
whom no one cared to own; and is it
strange, / said that when ones own par
ents forsake them that others should not
| feel any great interest or love for them No
4 it was not, but it made my bitter lot none
| the easier to bear, to know this. / sat up
| and wrung my hands in rage and hate to-
| ward every one. hated the parents who
I had cast me of, I said. / hated the low
bred servants / had been compelled TO as
sociate with when my spirit told me was
/ fitted or born for better company. But
| above all hated Mrs. Clayton and her
| daughter, who, l always imagined, in q
vague way, stood between me and better
/ lot.
! Gradually my anger subsidized, and be-
/ came calmer; but a resolve had formed it.
/ self in my mind, and that was that would
! no longer remain dependent at Caledon; /
could certainly earn my living, now I was